DOWNLOAD Program Special Awards Recipients AUSA Leadership Excellence AwardCadet Caleb Scully, Norwich University Military Order of World Wars AwardCadet Nicholas Vaughn, Northeastern University Military Officers Association of America AwardCadet McKenna Brown, Brigham Young University Reserve Organization of America AwardCadet James Barker, Virginia Tech Bold Leader Spirit AwardCadet Michael Beall, Austin Peay State University First Command Financial Services AwardCadet John Shanahan III, Texas Christian University USAA Warrior Spirit AwardCadet Michael Hoffman, Virginia Military Institute Armed Forces Bank AwardCadet Ryan Erk, University of Colorado – Colorado Springs Armed Forces Services Corporation AwardCadet Abraham Poku, Western Kentucky UniversityCadet Bryan Odberg, Baylor University National Guard [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of the 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp graduated and parted ways this morning, August 8. Advanced Camp is a long, tasking 37 days long; challenges present themselves at every corner and Cadets are expected to address and overcome them. Their graduation ceremony is a very welcome event, reuniting them with their family and friends and sending them on their way home. Knowledge that Sticks Out of all they learn at Advanced Camp, many Cadets have something in particular that sticks with them. “The most important thing I’ve learned is just to listen to others and not be [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — One thing that distinguishes Basic Camp from other levels of Army training is the number of Cadre who oversee the training. A lot of the basic camp instruction is given by drill sergeants and newly commissioned officers, but there is another group helping with the basic camp regiments: MSIII trainers. MSIII stands for Military Science 300, and it is made up of ROTC Cadets in college who have completed their junior year of school and graduated advanced camp this summer. After graduating, some opted to stick around in Fort Knox for basic camp and work as mentors [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 5th Regiment, Basic Camp, competed in a drill and ceremony (D&C) competition today to test their marching and military bearing skills. The competition tested the basic foundations of D&C on how you march and conduct yourself in a formation. For the first portion of the competition, each platoon in the regiment created a routine that included numerous required elements and commands. Cadre graded Cadets on how well they conducted their platoon D&C routines and how well they maintained their military bearing. Maintaining a strong military bearing is holding and conducting yourself in a well-disciplined manner. [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — On Aug. 5, Cadets of the 10th Regiment had an early morning fighting the enemy during a defense mission at AO Grizzly. This is their last full day of the Field Training Exercises (FTX), with graduation just around the corner. Defense missions are pretty straightforward: the platoon is set up at a patrol base with borders and protection surrounding it. The Opposing Force (OPFOR) wants to take that base over, and plans to attack it. The Cadets have no knowledge of when the OPFOR are coming, but have to stay quick on their feet and maintain control [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — “COVER ME WHILE I MOVE!!!” “I GOT YOU COVERED!!!” These two phrases were a common consistency on Aug. 4 at Mill Creek Range, when 6th Regiment of Basic Camp went through the Fire Team Movement drill. Similar to the Buddy Team Live Fire exercise Advanced Camp Cadets undergo, the Fire Team Movement drill requires Cadets to take turns advancing along different points of cover, with their partners providing cover fire behind them. It is performed to grow Cadets’ communication skills, increase their confidence in advancing to cover, and progress the relationships of battle buddies. One group of [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — After 24 days at Basic Camp, 5th Regiment Cadets took on the 10k Foot March this morning to test their physical and mental endurance. Foot marches challenge Cadets with walking long distances at a fast pace with weight in their rucksacks. “It is mostly mental,” Cadet Mason Aldridge, from Birmingham, Alabama, and attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said. “Coming out here and doing this ruck march is to prove that you can go further than you think you can.” The Cadets began the march at 4 a.m. The purpose of this was to not only [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — On August 3, nearly 600 Cadets stood in formation as Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford delivered some parting words to end their Advanced Camp journey. After 37 days of facing fears such as heights or hand grenades, pushing through mental challenges such as land navigation and map reading, and going survival-mode in the Field Training Exercises, the 8th Regiment has finally reached the end of their training at Fort Knox. One of the main reasons Cadets work to pass Advanced Camp is the gateway it provides to becoming a 2nd Lieutenant. This is why the Cadre constantly challenged [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of the 11th Regiment of Advanced Camp completed their 8-mile ruck march this morning, August 3. Between release-ruck marches and formation-ruck marches, each Cadet has their preferences; most prefer the release as they can go at their own speed, do their own thing. A formation-ruck march keeps Cadets orderly, a tactical move that ensures they hone their field skills while they march. Cadets are told to keep silent, save the sound of their boots hitting the ground. While the ruck march may seem to drudge on slowly, Cadets find ways to keep themselves entertained. A Rucking [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVrJrDR9tmQ[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — Fourth Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets put their marching skills to the test today during the platoon and regimental drill and ceremony (D&C) competition. Cadets competed in two different competition; a platoon-level D&C competition, where the six platoons from 4th Regiment performed in front of Cadre who chose the wining platoon, and a regimental D&C competition, where Cadets are individually competing to win. Over the past 28 days, Cadets learned Army customs and courtesies, how to march and conduct themselves in a professional manner. “The purpose of this competition was to test the culmination of everything [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJJCu3PLbSE[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of the Delta Co., 11th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their third and final day in the AO Wolverine FTX this morning, August 2. Wolverine is the “crawl” phase of three field-training exercises (FTXs) the Cadets are put through, Panther and Grizzly being the other two. Panther being the “walk” and Grizzly being the “run” phases, the two are more difficult, forcing the Cadets to rely more on their own independent leadership. The next two phases also start evaluations for the Cadets, so Wolverine gives them time to prepare. A Little Room to Grow From [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG_zAZ_2GNE[/embedyt]   FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 6th Regiment, Basic Camp spent the day at the range to get the first-time experience of sighting and shooting their M4 rifles. This training may seem basic to many, but it reinforces the idea that no matter where the Cadets end up, they are a rifleman first. Eastern Washington University Cadet Justin Mebes, may not be new to shooting, but his take on the mantra, “Every Soldier, a rifleman,” drew an interesting comparison to another. “I want to be a Ranger,” Mebes said. “My dad was a Ranger, and they say that [...]

FORT KNOX, KY.— “Twelve miles is a distance that most people do not normally do every day so being able to accomplish something like that is pretty rewarding,” said Cadet Hayden Martinez, from Oregon State University. Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, had this satisfaction when they completed their 12-mile road march here early in the morning on Aug. 2. Cadets stepped off the start line from Tactical Assembly Area Densberger.  They spent yesterday at TAA Densberger following their final phase of the Field Training Exercises. Martinez said that the rucks [the pack they carried with their clothing and equipment] this [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4uEox8Cw7c[/embedyt]   FORT KNOX, Ky. — Every Cadet comes to a point where they may not be able to push any further, but, as the Basic Camp Cadets learned, that’s when the motivation from those behind them can push them beyond their limits. The Obstacle Course 6th Regiment took on today was filled with challenges of varying difficulty, that tested the Cadets physical and mental abilities. After they completed all of the obstacles, Cadets took a moment to reflect on what they had faced and how they were able to push past those difficulties. Cadet Lacy Pemberton, from Virginia Wesleyan [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUV-GzOa37c[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of the 5th Regiment of Basic Camp were introduced to battle drills in preparation for their upcoming Field Training Exercise (FTX). Cadets started in a classroom setting, Cadre drawing battle drills on paper like plays on a whiteboard in a basketball game. They then moved out into the field, putting their newfound skills to the test; drill after drill after drill, the Cadets practiced flanking maneuvers and battle tactics. Cadre Strive to Help The Cadets are taught by a wide variety of people, enlisted and commissioned alike. “The lieutenants are super helpful,” Cadet Emily [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqwSxGOyQsw[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of the 11th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their first ambush this morning, July 31, in the AO Wolverine FTX. AO Wolverine presents Cadets with the “crawl” portion of their time in the field; Panther will be their “walk” stage, Grizzly, their “run.” Each stage gives Cadets different benefits, honing skills they previously had and gaining new skills in the process. The crawl portion grants Cadets the most help from their Cadre. Crawling is a Necessity “Today, we’re doing the crawl phase of the crawl, walk, run method of teaching,” Cadet Anthony Burgess, a Richmond, [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v14e-c37SW0[/embedyt]   FORT KNOX, Ky. — Going into the field for the first time for Field Training Exercise (FTX) may be scary, but Cadre made sure the Cadets were ready. Fire Team Movement works as a refresher course for the Cadets, but also as a way for Cadre to know the Cadets know the basics like the back of their hands. That way they don’t have to worry about forgetting anything when the real test begins. Cadet Ivan Torres, of Rowlett, Texas, noted that these basics are things he and the Cadets should be able to do automatically, and the [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 11th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed squad battle drill training today, to prepare for their Field Training Exercise (FTX) that begins tomorrow. Squad battle drills are the first time Cadets conduct platoon-level tactics together as one unit. It gives them the chance to iron out issues, develop their platoon identity and establish standard operating procedures (SOPs). Missouri State University Cadet Sierra Goslee, and her platoon, struggled during the training. “It was rough because it was our first time working all together as a platoon to actually do a platoon attack,” Goslee said. They have only been [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89gs6l6cV64[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — On July 29, another regiment entered their final stage of the lengthy Field Training Exercises (FTX). 9th Regiment completed their first lane of AO Grizzly, which is the most challenging phase of the FTX due to the lack of Cadre assistance. However, this doesn’t mean the Cadre were just standing around. They were filling out Blue Cards, which is the Army’s way of evaluating Cadets. “Today we are watching key leadership, which is Platoon Leader (PL) and Platoon Sergeant (PSG),” 2nd Lt. Zane Knight, a Cadre member out of Campbell University, said. “Mainly, we are [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thu-lnDCoWg[/embedyt]   FORT KNOX, Ky. — With graduation growing ever closer, Cadets spent today, July 26, 2019, learning about where they will be going once they receive their commission. Branch Orientation allows Cadets an opportunity to ask questions and learn all they can about their preferred branches. However, if they want to branch out and learn about others groups in the Army, they are more than welcome to explore to find new interests. Cadet Miurel Hamburger, of Miami, Florida, came to today’s training with a whole host of questions about her preferred branch and was able to find out all [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUxTzYEbCwE[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – After a long and tasking 37 days, Cadets of the 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, graduated this morning, July 24. Advanced Camp puts MS3 (Military Science level 3) Cadets through over a month of trials and challenges that they are graded on. From the tactical to the instinctive, all skills are honed and then tested. Cadets are trained in Basic Rifle Marksmanship, physical fitness, land navigation, first aid and other events to build resiliency. Three Things  Lt. Gen. Stephen Fogarty, the commanding general of the U.S. Army Cyber Command and the guest speaker for this morning’s [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The sun shining down, a light breeze blowing through, sounds of laughter and rejoicing filled the air. Tears streamed as Cadets of the 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, were reunited with their families at long last. From Near and Far Family Day is a moment of love and appreciation for what you have; as cliché as that may sound, there is simply no other way to put it. To see the face of your loved ones right in front of you rather than on a screen, is a time where love can do nothing but thrive. From near [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — First Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets graduated today, completing the final event of their 31 days of training. Cadets sent to Basic Camp learned about different Soldier and leadership skills they will need as future Army Officers. “Basic Camps purpose is to give people who are interested in the Army a start,” Cadet Celeste Doiron, from Monument, Colorado, and attending California Polytechnic State University, said. “It kind of gives them a taste of the Army and [helps them decide] if it is something they want to do in the future.” “Get Up There and Lead”  Some Cadets came [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8AopQVoQHU[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — Freshman and Sophomore Army ROTC Cadets stand in as the Opposing Force, or OPFOR, that play the enemy for Advanced Camp Cadets when they go through their different Field Training Exercises (FTXs). These first and second year military science students, also known as MS1s and MS2s, come from different ROTC programs from colleges across the country to help train this year’s Advanced Camp Cadets. While they’re assisting training, these MS1s and 2s also get a chance to catch a glimpse of what’s in store for them in the coming years at Advanced Camp. Cadet Kelsey [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of the 8th Regiment Advanced Camp completed their final day in the Panther FTX site today, July 22, before moving onto Grizzly. Their morning began with a Movement to Contact drill, a mission in which Cadets maneuver through the FTX area in search of their enemy. Once the enemy is spotted, the fire begins. Mental Agility There’s a lot that goes into making an FTX mission successful; from keeping your squad’s spacing in tact to ensuring communication between the platoon is clear, there’s a lot that can be learned from these drills. Perhaps the most important [...]